Bicycle conversion kit and cargo bicycle apparatus

ABSTRACT

What is provided is a cargo bicycle apparatus and a kit for converting an existing bicycle into a cargo bicycle. The cargo bicycle apparatus comprises a cargo attachment that easily attaches and detaches from an existing bicycle to make the existing bicycle more utilitarian and functional. The cargo attachment connects with the existing bicycle in a way that prevents damage or permanent modification to the existing bicycle. Since no specialized tools or mechanical skills are required in the assembly of the cargo bicycle apparatus, the cargo attachment provides the operator with greater convenience and flexibility for converting an existing bicycle into a cargo bicycle apparatus. In addition, the cargo attachment is configured to automatically adjust to the geometry of nearly all existing bicycles without having to modify the geometry of the cargo attachment to match the geometry of a particular bicycle.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a Non-Provisional patent application andclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/377,263, titled “BICYCLE CONVERSION KIT ANDCARGO BICYCLE APPARATUS,” filed Aug. 19, 2016. The entire disclosure ofthe aforementioned patent application is incorporated by reference as iffully stated herein.

FIELD

This patent application generally relates to self-propelled bicycles andmore particularly to the conversion of a traditional/existing bicycleinto a specialized functional bicycle, such as a bicycle with a cargoattachment.

BACKGROUND

Several different manually propelled bicycles and tricycles exist. Someof these bicycles and tricycles are adapted with baskets or othercarriers to allow for safe and secure carriage of items. However, mostof the baskets and carriers are attached separately to the back of thebicycle or tricycle, making them very difficult to see by the operator.The baskets and carriers that are attached in the front of the bicycleor tricycle are often very difficult to detach without causing damage orpermanent modification to the bicycle or tricycle. In addition, thesebicycles and tricycles are typically more difficult to safely operatethan traditional bicycles.

In one instance, a traditional bicycle is converted to a functionaltricycle with a cargo carrier attached to the front of the tricycle. Thetricycle has the manual pedal system and steering of the traditionalbicycle, along with a stable front frame carried by spaced front wheelsthat turn for cornering stability. However, larger cargo weightpresented difficulties in the control and operability of this tricycledesign, particularity when the operator is leaning into corners.Additionally, there are some limitations with regard to the types ofbicycles that can be adapted into this tricycle apparatus due to thegeometries of various components on the cargo carrier, such as thevertical mount or steerer tube.

In another instance, a traditional bicycle is converted to a functionalbicycle with a cargo carrier attachment connected to the front of thebicycle. However, the cargo carrier attachment in this apparatus isrigidly coupled or fixed to the bike frame and limits the ability of theapparatus to rotate in various directions. As a result, components ofthe bicycle must be removed using special tools and mechanical skills inorder to either install the cargo attachment bracket to the attachmentpoint on the bicycle frame. In fact, the components of this design mustbe specifically and manually adjusted for each bicycle so that thegeometry of the design matches that of the bicycle frame. In addition,the operator must expend significant time and energy to convert anexisting bicycle into such an apparatus.

Consequently, there is a need for a bicycle conversion kit and cargoattachment that can more easily accommodate the transition of existingbicycles, including those with active suspension forks, into a cargobicycle apparatus without the need for any specialized tools ormechanical skills. The geometries of the existing bicycle and cargoattachment should match or allow for relative motion between the bicycleand cargo attachment. The cargo bicycle apparatus must also providegreater functionality, balance, and overall operability to its operator.

SUMMARY

What is provided is a cargo bicycle apparatus and a kit for convertingan existing bicycle into a cargo bicycle. The cargo bicycle apparatuscomprises a cargo attachment that easily attaches and detaches from anexisting bicycle to make the existing bicycle more utilitarian andfunctional. The cargo attachment connects with the existing bicycle in away that prevents damage or permanent modification to the existingbicycle. Since no specialized tools or mechanical skills are required inthe assembly of the cargo bicycle apparatus, the cargo attachmentprovides the operator with greater convenience and flexibility forconverting an existing bicycle into a cargo bicycle apparatus. Inaddition, the cargo attachment is configured to automatically adjust tothe geometry of nearly all existing bicycles without having to modifythe geometry of the cargo attachment to match the geometry of aparticular bicycle.

In exemplary embodiments, the cargo bicycle apparatus comprises anexisting bicycle comprising a rear wheel, a primary frame, a steeringmechanism including handle bars connected to the front fork andjournaled to the primary frame for turning the front fork, and a primaryframe head tube supporting the front fork, wherein the primary framehead tube is mounted at an angle with respect to the ground. The cargobicycle also comprises a cargo attachment securely coupled to theexisting bicycle, the cargo attachment comprises at least one frontwheel, a first attachment position engaged with the front fork, whereinthe first attachment comprises a cargo attachment head tube that ismounted at angle with respect to the ground, and wherein the cargoattachment head tube angle may be different than the primary frame headtube angle.

In exemplary embodiments, the first attachment position comprises acargo attachment head tube mounted on a cargo frame; a forwardattachment axle for engaging with a pair of front fork dropouts; a forkcarriage and at least one linear bearing, wherein the at least onelinear bearing facilitates the translation of the forward attachmentaxle and the fork carriage in the forward and backward directions.

In exemplary embodiments, the cargo attachment further comprises asecond attachment position engaged with the primary frame, and whereinthe primary frame is configured to rotate with respect to the cargoattachment about at least one axis. The second attachment position maycomprise a yoke positioned on the end of the cargo frame, wherein theyoke is slidably attached to a post connected to the primary frameallowing for rotation of the cargo attachment in the generallongitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions.

In other embodiments, the cargo bicycle apparatus comprises an existingbicycle comprising a rear wheel; a primary frame; and a steeringmechanism including handle bars connected to a front fork and journaledto the primary frame for turning the front fork; and a primary framehead tube supporting the steerable front fork, wherein the primary framehead tube is mounted at an angle with respect to the ground. The cargobicycle apparatus further comprises a cargo attachment securely coupledto the existing bicycle, the cargo attachment comprises at least onefront wheel and an attachment position engaged with the primary frame,wherein the primary frame is configured to rotate with respect to thecargo attachment about at least one axis.

In exemplary embodiments, the kit for converting an existing bicycle toa cargo bicycle comprises a cargo attachment capable of detachablycoupling with the existing bicycle, wherein the cargo attachmentcomprises at least one front wheel, a first attachment positionconfigured to engage with the front fork on the existing bicycle,wherein the first attachment position comprises a cargo attachment headtube mounted at angle with respect to the ground. The kit also comprisesa steering mechanism on the exiting bicycle including handle barsconnected to the front fork and journaled to the primary frame forturning the front fork, a rear wheel on the existing bicycle, and aprimary frame head tube supporting the steerable front fork, wherein theprimary frame head tube is mounted at an angle with respect to theground, wherein the primary frame head tube angle is different than thecargo attachment head tube angle.

These and other aspects, objects, and features disclosed herein will beunderstood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reviewingthe following specification and appended drawings.

Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. Claimed subject matter,however, as to structure, organization and method of operation, togetherwith objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understoodby reference to the following detailed description if read with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side perspective view of an exemplary apparatuscomprising a cargo attachment coupled to an existing bicycle;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is schematic another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side perspective view of the cargo attachment ofFIG. 1 having a first attachment position and a second attachmentposition;

FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the first attachmentposition on the cargo attachment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another schematic side perspective view of the cargoattachment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side perspective view of the existing bicycle ofFIG. 1 without the cargo attachment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the second attachmentposition engaged with the existing bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is another schematic enlarged perspective view of the secondattachment position engaging with a portion of the existing bicycle ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the second attachmentposition of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic top perspective view of an exemplary yoke of thesecond attachment position of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side perspective view of the cargo frame withrespect to the primary frame on the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a schematic side perspective view of an exemplary tricycleapparatus comprising a cargo attachment coupled to an existing bicycle;and

FIGS. 14A-C are schematic top perspective views of the yoke of FIG. 11during insertion of an exemplary post on the primary frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples asdefined in the claimed subject matter, and as an example of how to makeand use the examples described herein. However, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that claimed subject matter is not intended tobe limited to such specific details, and may even be practiced withoutrequiring such specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and devices have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the invention defined by the claimed subject matter.

The apparatus disclosed herein is provided for converting an existingbicycle into a functional bicycle cargo apparatus comprising a cargoattachment having a carrier and the existing bicycle. The subject matterdisclosed herein can be provided as a kit for converting an existingbicycle to a functional bicycle comprising a bicycle cargo apparatuscomprising a cargo attachment and the existing bicycle, or it can bepart of an original complete bicycle cargo apparatus. When assembled,the bicycle cargo apparatus becomes a functional bicycle, using themanual pedal system and steering (and frame and braking) of the existingbicycle, but replacing the front wheel of the existing bicycle with acargo attachment.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of anexemplary apparatus 100 comprising a cargo attachment 101 coupled to anexisting bicycle 102. The existing bicycle 102 includes a primary frame103, a rear wheel 104, and a steering mechanism including handle bars105 connected to a primary frame head tube 106, which is connected to afront fork 107. The handle bars 105 are journaled to the primary frame103 for turning the front fork 107. The front fork 107 includes a pairof front fork dropouts 107′ that are configured to allow easy removal ofa front wheel from the existing bicycle 102.

The primary frame head tube 106 defines the axis (primary frame steeringaxis “A3”) about which the front fork 107 rotates during the steering orturning of the apparatus 100. The angle 106A of the primary frame headtube 106, as defined by the primary frame steering axis A3, providesstabilization to the apparatus 100. The primary frame head tube angle106A is not vertical with respect to the ground. In some examples, theprimary frame head tube angle 106A is swept back about 62.5 to 77.5degrees with respect to the ground. As a result, the front fork 107translates with respect to the cargo attachment 101.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of the cargoattachment 101 of FIG. 1 having a first attachment position 440 and asecond attachment position 450. The cargo attachment 101 comprises acarrier 410, a front wheel 420, a cargo frame 430 including a tongueportion 430′, a yoke 480 connected to the end of the tongue portion430′, and a cargo attachment fork 460 that is operably connected to thefirst attachment position 440 by a connecting rod 470, cables, orfunctionally equivalent means for steering the front wheel 420. Thecarrier 410 is positioned between the first attachment position 440 andthe front wheel 420 so that the operator of the apparatus 100 can easilyview the cargo in the carrier 410 while maintaining a stable center ofgravity and the ability to lean into corners for cornering stability.

The first attachment position 440 on the cargo attachment 101 isconfigured to attach with the front fork dropouts 107′ of the existingbicycle 102. In some examples, the second attachment position 450 on thecargo attachment 101 is the yoke 480 positioned on the end of the tongueportion 430′. The tongue portion 430′ is configured to extend back tothe primary frame 103 of the existing bicycle 102 to counteract anyoverturning moment on the cargo attachment 101. The ability to transferthe overturning moment to the primary frame 103 of the existing bicycle102, instead of to the front fork 107, allows the cargo attachment 101to safely carry more weight since primary frames are typically of a morestructurally substantial design than forks. In other examples, a cargoattachment may comprise two connected front wheels that form a cargotricycle apparatus when the cargo attachment is connected to an existingbicycle, as shown in FIG. 13.

In other examples, the cargo attachment 101 may be configured to attachto the primary frame 103 of the existing bicycle 102 at differentlocations on the existing bicycle 102 and/or at more than two attachmentpoints. In some examples, cargo attachments are configured to attach toonly the rear of existing bicycles, not the forks of existing bicycles.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of thefirst attachment position 440 on the cargo attachment 101 of FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 5, the first attachment position 440 comprises a cargoattachment head tube 520 connected to the cargo frame 430, an axleassembly 530, and a slider assembly 540 separating the axle assembly 530from the cargo attachment head tube 520. The axle assembly 530 comprisesa forward attachment axle 550, an axle housing 560 separated from theforward attachment axle 550 by axle bearings, and a forward attachmentaxis A1 defined by the forward attachment axle 550.

The attachment of the fork dropouts 107′ to the forward attachment axle550 allows the front fork 107 to be rotatable about the forwardattachment axis A1. This then permits the forward attachment axis A1 tobe moveable in the forward and rearward directions. The fork dropouts107′ are mechanically, but not rigidly coupled (via welding or afunctionally similar rigid technique) to the forward attachment axle550. Rotation of the front fork 107 allows for geometry changes due tothe deflection of the front fork 107 during changes in loading duringits operation. The front fork 107 can rotate about the forwardattachment axis A1 because the axle bearings allow the forwardattachment axle 550 to rotate with respect to the axle housing 560. As aresult, there is relative motion between the cargo attachment 101 andthe primary frame 103 of the existing bicycle 102 allowing the cargoattachment 101 to adjust to variations in the dimensions of the existingbicycle 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, the slider assembly 540 comprises a fork carriage570 and at least one linear bearing 580′. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the at least one linear bearing 580′ is journaled to a pin knownas a slider shaft 580. The at least one linear bearing 580′ is a plasticbushing that is pressed into the fork carriage 570 and slides on theslider shaft 580.

The at least one linear bearing 580′ facilitates the forward andbackward translation of the forward attachment axle 550 and the forkcarriage 570 with respect to the cargo attachment 101. In addition, theforward attachment axle 550 may rotate about the axle bearings and theforward attachment axis A1, but is prevented from rotating or tilting inany other axis. The sliding motion or translation allows the cargoattachment 101 to automatically adjust to variations in bicycledimensions, such as distances between the steering axis and the frontwheel center axis on a bicycle. Specifically, the cargo attachment 101is configured for attachment to bicycles where the front forks aresuspension forks, which are typically of a telescoping design and notlocked in place during movement of the apparatus 100. The telescopingdesign results in changes to the overall length of front forks andpositions on primary frames of bicycles during movement of the apparatus100. Thus, the ability of the first attachment position 440 to translateand rotate allows the cargo attachment 101 to automatically adjust tochanges in the lengths of the front fork and fit virtually any size ofbicycle frame.

In other embodiments, a carriage assembly may be translatingly moveablein the forward and backward directions without the use of any slidershafts or spaced apart pins. Instead, linear of components of the sliderassembly may be achieved through the use of the fork carriage 570 and atleast one linear bearing 580′ by using a carriage and rail guide toproduce a rolling action, instead of a sliding action.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows another side perspective view of thecargo attachment 101 of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the cargo attachmenthead tube 520 is mounted at a cargo attachment head tube angle 520A(defined by the “steering axis” A2) with respect to the ground. Thecargo attachment head tube angle 520A allows the first attachmentposition 440 to provide stabilization and control to the cargoattachment 101. As shown in FIG. 6, the cargo attachment head tube angle520A is not vertical or perpendicular to the ground, but is insteadswept back about 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal ground. As aresult, the steering axis A2 is also angled rearward at about 70 degreeswith respect to the horizontal ground. In other embodiments, the cargoattachment head tube angle 520A may be vertical to the ground or 90degrees.

The cargo attachment head tube angle 520A is designed to be the meanangle found in a population of commonly used bicycles that are mostlikely to be used with a cargo attachment. In some examples, the cargoattachment head tube angle 520A is different than the primary frame headtube angle 106A. In these examples, the difference between the cargoattachment head tube angle 520A and the primary frame head tube angle106A may be between about 0.1 and 30 degrees. Thus, the differencebetween the cargo attachment head tube angle 520A and the primary framehead tube angle 106A is about +/30 degrees, for a total of about 60degrees. In order to accommodate any differences between the cargoattachment head tube angle 520A and the primary frame head tube angle106A, the primary frame 103 is configured to rotate about at least oneof the roll (longitudinal direction), pitch (lateral direction), and/oryaw (vertical direction) axes with respect to the cargo attachment 101and the front fork 107 is configured to translate in the forward andbackward directions with respect to the cargo attachment 101. In someexamples, the cargo frame 430 is configured to rotate about each of theroll, pitch, and yaw axes with respect to the primary frame 103, asshown in FIG. 12.

In other examples, the cargo attachment head tube angle 520A may beapproximately the same or exactly the same as the primary frame headtube angle 106A.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a side perspective view of theexisting bicycle 102 of FIG. 1. The existing bicycle 102 comprises apost 700 that is securely attached to the primary frame 103. In someexamples, the post 700 is cylindrical and is fabricated from steel or afunctionally equivalent metal. Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows anenlarged perspective view second attachment position 450 engaging withthe existing bicycle 102 of FIG. 1 to form the cargo bicycle apparatus100. As shown in FIG. 8, the post 700 is securely attached to theprimary frame 103 with two clamping plates 810, along with a bolt and alock washer. In another embodiment, the post 700 is securely connectedto the primary frame 103 by a component that produces a clamping forceon the post 700. In such an embodiment, the primary frame 103 may have amounting plate for a kickstand, in which case, no clamping plates arerequired and the post 700 may be secured directly to the kickstandmounting plate of the primary frame 103 using a bolt and a lock washer.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 shows another enlarged perspective view ofthe second attachment position 450 engaging with the existing bicycle102 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the post 700 creates a generally,vertically oriented axis or an axis generally in the yaw direction uponengagement with the yoke 480. The yoke 480 is positioned on the end ofthe tongue portion 430′ and is configured to slidably attach to the post700. Consequently, three axes are provided that allow the primary frame103 to rotate about the roll, pitch, and yaw directions with respect tothe cargo attachment 101 when the primary frame 103 is attached to thesecond attachment position 450.

This allows the cargo attachment 101 to be attached to differentbicycles without having to modify the geometry of the cargo attachment101 to match the geometry of a particular bicycle. Thus, the cargoattachment 101 is configured to automatically adjust to the geometry ofthe attached bicycle.

FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of the second attachment position450 of FIG. 9. The yoke 480 comprises two cylindrical, opposing bosses1000 on each side, as shown in FIG. 11. The bosses 1000 create agenerally horizontally-oriented axis that runs laterally to the primaryframe 103, or an axis in the general pitch direction. In someembodiments, the yoke 480 is secured to a shaft having a cylindricalextension. The cylindrical extension creates another generallyhorizontally-oriented axis that runs longitudinally to the primary frame103, or an axis in the general roll direction. As shown in theembodiments of FIG. 14 FIGS. 14A-C, the yoke 480 comprises two latches1400 that rotate out of the way when the yoke 480 slides onto a bracketportion 1410 on the post 700. In this embodiment, the latches 1400 maybe spring-loaded such that they rotate inwards once the post 700 isfully seated into the yoke 480. The post 700 is then unable toprematurely slide out of the yoke 480 unless the latches 1400 aremanually retracted. In other embodiments, the yoke 480 does not compriseany latches or comprises only one latch.

The interaction of the post 700 with the yoke 480 at the secondattachment position 450 limits the amount of rotation about the rollaxis to about 3.5 degrees in either direction. Thus, the primary frame103 can only rotate with respect to the cargo attachment 101 about theroll axis by a total amount of about 7 degrees. Conversely, the cargoattachment 101 can only rotate, with respect to the primary frame 103,about the roll axis by a total amount of about 7 degrees. This rotationlimit is achieved through the use of a cam plate. The cam plate is thenjournaled into a square bore. The geometry of the cam plate and thesquare bore limit the amount of rotation in any one direction to 3.5degrees.

The cargo attachment 101 can be easily attached to and detached from theprimary frame 103 at the second attachment position 450 without the needfor any specialized tools or mechanical skills. Components of theexisting bicycle 102 do not need to be removed to allow for the assemblyof the apparatus 100. As a result, the operator may quickly andconveniently attach the cargo attachment 101 to the existing bicycle102.

The cargo attachment 101 disclosed herein can be attached to mostexisting bicycles having a primary frame, a rear wheel, and a steeringmechanism including handle bars connected to a fork. In order to allowfor attachment to most existing bicycles, the fork carriage 570 on thecargo attachment 101 needs to be able to translate back and forth, aswell as being able to rotate with respect to the forks of existingbicycles. The translation and rotation allow suspensions forks onexisting bicycles to freely extend and contract into desired positionson the apparatus 100.

The carrier 410 (as shown in FIGS. 1-4) is a box-like orwheelbarrow-like structure having rigid sides and a bottom made of wood,plastic, metal, polymeric material, or functionally equivalentcombinations and variations thereof. The carrier 410 has an upwardlyopen container, box, seat, rickshaw, platform, or the like. The carrier410 is attached to the cargo frame 430 by screws or a quick-releaseclamp (not specifically shown, but known in the field and commerciallyavailable). In some examples, the carrier 410 may be used for carryinggoods, such as groceries or other bagged items; people, such aschildren, a handicapped person, or a wheelchair bound person; pets; orvendor-related items, such as an ice chest or an insulated/heated box.In some examples, the carrier 410 can be releasably attached to thecargo frame 430. In other examples, the front panel of the carrier 410could be pivoted or tipped forward to form a ramp into the carrier 410for receiving a wheelchair or a wheeled cart for carriage.

It will, of course, be understood that, although particular exampleshave just been described, the claimed subject matter is not limited inscope to a particular example or limitation. Likewise, an example may beimplemented in any combination of compositions of matter, apparatuses,methods or products made by a process, for example.

In the preceding description, various aspects of claimed subject matterhave been described. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers,percentages, components, ingredients and/or configurations were setforth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter.However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practicedwithout the specific details. In other instances, features that would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill were omitted or simplified so as notto obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features and exampleshave been illustrated or described herein, many modifications,substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled inthe art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications or changes as fall within thetrue spirit of claimed subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cargo bicycle apparatus comprising: anexisting bicycle comprising: a front fork; a rear wheel; a primaryframe; a steering mechanism including handle bars connected to the frontfork and journaled to the primary frame for turning the front fork; anda primary frame head tube supporting the steerable front fork, whereinthe primary frame head tube is mounted at an angle with respect to theground; and a cargo attachment securely coupled to the existing bicycle,the cargo attachment comprising: at least one front wheel; a firstattachment position engaged with the front fork, wherein the firstattachment position comprises a cargo attachment head tube, wherein thecargo attachment head tube defines a cargo attachment head tube axis;and a forward attachment assembly, wherein the forward attachmentassembly defines a forward attachment axis, wherein the forwardattachment axis is at an angle with respect to the cargo attachment headtube axis, and wherein the forward attachment angle remains the sameduring rotation of the forward attachment axis about the cargoattachment head tube axis.
 2. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 1,wherein the front fork comprises a pair of front fork dropouts, whereinthe pair of front fork dropouts is engaged with the first attachmentposition.
 3. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 2, wherein the forwardattachment assembly is configured to engage with the pair of front forkdropouts, a fork carriage, and at least one linear bearing, and whereinthe at least one linear bearing allows for the translation of theforward attachment assembly and the fork carriage in the forward andbackward directions with respect to the cargo attachment.
 4. The cargobicycle apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cargo attachment furthercomprises a second attachment position engaged with the primary frame,and wherein the primary frame is configured to rotate with respect tothe cargo attachment about at least one axis.
 5. The cargo bicycleapparatus of claim 4, wherein the second attachment position comprises ayoke positioned on an end of a cargo frame, wherein the yoke is securedto a shaft having a cylindrical extension.
 6. The cargo bicycleapparatus of claim 5, wherein the yoke comprises two cylindrical,opposing bosses.
 7. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 6, wherein theyoke is slidably attached to a post that is connected to the primaryframe.
 8. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 7, wherein the post issecurely connected to the primary frame by a component that produces aclamping force on the post.
 9. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 8,wherein the component is a clamping plate.
 10. The cargo bicycleapparatus of claim 8, wherein the component is a kickstand mountingplate.
 11. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 8, wherein the yokecomprises two opposing latches, wherein each of the latches isconfigured to rotate inwards once the post is fully positioned in theyoke to prevent the post from prematurely sliding out of the yoke. 12.The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the latches arespring-loaded.
 13. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 8, wherein thefront fork is a suspension fork, and wherein the suspension fork freelyextends and contracts during movement of the apparatus.
 14. The cargobicycle apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cargo attachment furthercomprises a carrier, wherein the carrier is releasbly attached to thecargo frame.
 15. The cargo bicycle apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecargo attachment head tube is mounted at an angle with respect to theground, and wherein the cargo attachment head tube angle is differentthan the primary frame head tube angle.
 16. A kit for converting anexisting bicycle to a cargo bicycle, the kit comprising: a cargoattachment configured to selectively couple with the existing bicycle,wherein the cargo attachment comprises: at least one front wheel; and afirst attachment position engaged with a front fork on the existingbicycle, wherein the first attachment position comprises a cargoattachment head tube, wherein the cargo attachment head tube defines acargo attachment head tube axis; a forward attachment assembly, whereinthe forward attachment assembly defines a forward attachment axis,wherein the forward attachment axis is at an angle with respect to thecargo attachment head tube axis, and wherein the forward attachmentangle remains the same during rotation of the forward attachment axisabout the cargo attachment head tube axis; a steering mechanism on theexisting bicycle including handle bars connected to the front fork andjournaled to a primary frame for turning the front fork; a rear wheel onthe existing bicycle; and a primary frame head tube supporting thesteerable front fork, wherein the primary frame head tube is mounted atan angle with respect to the ground.
 17. The kit of claim 16, whereinthe front fork is configured to translate with respect to the cargoattachment.
 18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the first attachmentposition comprises a fork carriage capable of translating forward andbackward and rotating with respect to the front fork.
 19. The kit ofclaim 17, wherein the second attachment position comprises a yokepositioned on the end of a cargo frame, wherein the yoke is capable ofslidably attaching to a post securely connected to the primary frame.20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the front fork is a suspension fork,and wherein the suspension fork freely extends and contracts duringmovement of the cargo bicycle.
 21. The kit of claim 16, wherein thecargo attachment further comprises a second attachment position engagedwith the primary frame.
 22. The kit of claim 16, wherein the cargoattachment head tube is mounted at an angle with respect to the ground,and wherein the cargo attachment head tube angle is different than theprimary frame head tube angle.